Former Iowa Cubs Players Reached MLB Postseason
Seven players with ties to Principal Park have been named to MLB Wild Card Series rosters.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Baseball
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Seven players who previously developed their skills in Des Moines with the Iowa Cubs have advanced to Major League Baseball postseason rosters. Six of these athletes are featured on the Chicago Cubs roster as the league begins its Wild Card Series.
Why it matters
The presence of these players on postseason rosters highlights the role of the Iowa Cubs organization in preparing talent for professional baseball's highest stage. This transition reflects the continued development pipeline from Principal Park to the major leagues.
Seven players with Principal Park ties have secured spots on 26-man postseason rosters. This includes six athletes currently representing the Chicago Cubs organization.
The players
Ian Happ
An established major league outfielder who played for the Iowa Cubs in 2017 and 2019.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
A prospect who refined his professional skills as a member of the Iowa Cubs in 2023 and 2024.
Javier Assad
A pitcher who contributed to the Iowa Cubs before being recalled to the Chicago major league roster.
Hayden Wesneski
A pitcher who is currently listed on the Houston Astros postseason roster.
Jack Dreyer
A local athlete from Johnston High School who is projected to potentially join the Dodgers postseason roster.
The details
The postseason roster group includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, who played in Iowa during 2023 and 2024, and Ian Happ, who had stints in Des Moines in 2017 and 2019. Additional depth includes players like Javier Assad, who was recalled in September, and others who completed rehabilitation assignments in Iowa during August 2026.
Timeline
Ian Happ first played in Iowa in 2017 and returned in 2019.
Javier Assad, Daniel Palencia, and Matt Shaw held assignments in Iowa during August 2026.
Javier Assad was recalled by Chicago on September 5, 2026.
The MLB Wild Card Series officially began on September 30, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The transition of these players into the postseason impacts the competitive balance of the ongoing MLB Wild Card Series. Their success in the majors reflects the effectiveness of the current development pipeline as teams finalize rosters for the upcoming Division Series.
Local fans tracking the 26-man roster composition will see familiar faces from Principal Park compete under the high-pressure conditions of the MLB playoffs. These assignments determine the final depth charts for major league teams during the postseason tournament.
The takeaway
The movement of talent from Triple-A Iowa to MLB postseason rosters underscores the vital role of minor league development in building championship-caliber teams. Fans should monitor roster updates as teams make tactical adjustments for the Division Series.
What happens next
Teams are expected to finalize their 26-man rosters for the upcoming Division Series, which could see additional players with Iowa ties, such as Jack Dreyer and Jake Woodford, added to their respective squads.
Further reading
For more on the local team's pipeline, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Who13.
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